Music Department

The Music Department at Seattle Pacific offers you a rich, robust music education in a Christian university setting, preparing you to make a difference in the world — whether in a music profession or in any other profession you might choose.

The Music Department offers many opportunities to participate in music through choral and instrumental ensembles, regardless of your major. All ensemble courses carry regular University credit, and most require an audition for enrollment.

It's an exciting time to be a musician. Come and explore music with the world-class performers and educators at Seattle Pacific. The SPU Music Department will provide you with the opportunities to cultivate your passion for music and equip you to engage the world.

Are you interested in a Music major or minor? Do you want to use your skills and aptitude to serve others through the functional use of music through the Music Therapy major? Or would you simply like to enrich your education through the study of music, or join one of our small ensembles? Through the programs in the Music Department at SPU, you can choose from these options and to discover lifelong ways to cultivate your musicianship.

Music Department News and Events

Join Danny Helseth and the SPU Wind Ensemble as they explore music by composers of color. While the medium of wind band is traditionally a Western European art form, this season, the SPU Wind Ensemble explores wind band music from other cultural perspectives. Mixed with traditional standard works, this concert will be memorable.

An evening of prayers, black spirituals, and ecumenical readings celebrating tradition for Black History Month. Liturgist and Artistic Director Stephen Newby leads the Gospel Choir and Worship Arts Ensemble in this divine evening worship that embraces both Scripture and music.

The SPU Symphony Orchestra presents An Evening of Orchestral Music by African Americans. Featuring the work of George Walker, J. Rosamund Johnson, Alvin Singleton, and Florence Price, an evening of delightful music awaits.

The winter concert for choirs will feature selections of old and new from the vast choral repertory. Join Ryan Ellis, Beth Ann Bonnecroy, and the SPU vocal ensembles as they delight the ears, hearts, and minds with music that enriches our lives and strengthens community.

The Percussion Ensemble winter concert, under the direction of Dan Adams, features a variety of chamber ensembles from the percussion studio. Ranging from multiple percussion pieces to ethnic drum ensembles, you will travel through a world of different grooves and sounds.